This Sunday will be the first time Shaun Kenny-Dowall has experienced an Old Boys Day with the nib Newcastle Knights.
At McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday, the Knights play their final home game against the Cronulla Sharks with some of the Club’s 97’ Grand Final players watching on from the sidelines.
“It is a huge day for Newcastle and a big reason why Newcastle is a proud rugby league town,” explained Kenny-Dowall.
“There are so many memories the '97 team instilled in the city so it’s going to be a great day not only for the Old Boys and the whole of Newcastle but for us players.
“Anytime we play at home in front of a crowd on a Sunday, it’s always a big occasion... but that extra bit of significance to have those legends around the changing rooms and around the field when we walk out, I know the boys are going to be excited.”
After their Round 25 loss to the Sydney Roosters, the 29-year-old knows last year’s premiers will be wanting to get back in the winner’s circle before finals footy.
“They will want to be hitting their straps after a really tight loss and they’ll be wanting to play some really good football heading into finals time,” he said.
“They are a big physical bunch, so it’s going to be a tough one.
“Unfortunately, we haven’t had the results for the last two weeks but (Nathan) Browny has really refreshed us this week and there will be no excuses to not put in a good performance on Sunday afternoon.”
Old Boys day begins when gates open at 11.30, NYC kick-off at 11.45am before NRL at 2pm. Reserve Grade play their elimination final against the North Sydney Bears at Jubilee oval in Kogarah also on Sunday.
